Chapter 2: The Lost Children

"So, we're starting from scratch with glee club?" Noah 'Puck' Puckerman questioned.

"But we've worked so hard." Tina Cohen-Chang muttered.

"Not exactly," Will responded to Puck. Will had just finished explaining the deal with Principal Figgins to the glee club, aware of their surprise and distress. "All we gotta do is raise enough money between now and our fundraiser performance, then Figgins will consider keeping glee."

"And if we don't?" Wheelchair-bound Artie Abrams asked.

"I'll die!" Rachel shouted dramatically.

"We go back to being Lima losers," Mercedes motioned, "but I guess it won't be all that bad for some of us." She glanced in the direction of Puck, Santana, Brittany and other members Matt Rutherford, Mike Chang, Quinn Fabray and Finn Hudson. Mercedes had just inclined that they'd all go back to their jock, footballer and cheerleader statuses after glee, while the remaining team would go back to being outsiders.

"Exactly," Kurt waved, "my facial pores can't handle anymore slushies."

"Hey," Quinn straightened, "not all of us will go back to how we were before all this. Glee club is the only place I feel accepted now." She lowered her head and fondled a small bundle in her arms. She'd given birth to her love child shortly after their Regionals performance two weeks ago. "I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I don't wanna leave glee club just as much as you."

"Guys," Will pressured, "I'm convinced that we'll ease on down that road of success, just so long as you're all willing to help put in that extra effort."

"Mister Shue," Rachel stood up, "my advanced training in theatre studies ensures we will pass. However, I believe the biggest challenge is choosing the right music. Of-course, my life-long skills in the field have taught me that music is the key. Think of Somebody To Love and Proud Mary; a number that's big and complex will make an impact on the audience. It's as easy as one, two, three!"

"Good, Rachel," Will nodded, "that's all good, except we can't do stuff we've done before. It'll be too repetitive. We need something fresh, bold, but captivating, all at the same time." He rubbed his hands together and breathed out. "So, that is why you're assignment this week is to pair up. I want you to come up with a great musical number each. Feel free to choose your songs from whatever, whoever and whenever you want; I want the 90s, the 60s, Celine, Britney, even Pantera."

At this, Finn's eyes lit up.

"Just be as creative as you can," Will smiled, "I want to impress, as well as raise money. We've gotta show Ohio that even though we lost Regionals, New Directions won't back down, and we're coming back – bigger, stronger and better than before!"

The excitement between the glee club instantly increased.

"Now, who's with me?"

The New Directions suddenly erupted in energetic cheers.

"Shhh!" Quinn covered her baby's ears.

To be continued...